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Kayseri

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Kayseri is a large city located in Central Anatolia, Turkey.

Kayseri districts
Kayseri districts

It serves as the capital of the Kayseri province. The city sits right at the foot of Mount Erciyes. This mountain is a dormant volcano. It is very high, rising more than 1,500 metres above the city.

ErciyesUniversity Genkok
ErciyesUniversity Genkok

Many tourists visit Kayseri while traveling to the famous lands of Cappadocia to the west. The city is a busy place with many people living in its urban districts. It is home to Erciyes University and the Erkilet International Airport.

The city has a very long and busy history. In ancient times, it was known as Mazaca. Later, it became known as Caesarea. It was the capital of the Roman province of Cappadocia. The city sat on important trade paths for many centuries. These paths connected different lands, like the Persian Royal Road.

The Hercules Sarcophagus depicting the Twelve Labors of Hercules, 150-160 AD, Kayseri Archaeological Museum, Turkey (25682295994)
The Hercules Sarcophagus depicting the Twelve Labors of Hercules, 150-160 AD, Kayseri Archaeological Museum, Turkey (25682295994)

Traders used these routes to move goods across the region. Even very old items, like Hittite ceramic bowls, show how people lived here long ago.

Hittite fruit cup detail
Hittite fruit cup detail

Kayseri has gone through several golden ages. The first began around 2000 BC as a trade post. The second age happened under Roman rule. The third golden age came during the Seljuk period between 1178 and 1243.

Kayseri-Huant-Hatun-Mosque2-Verity-Cridland
Kayseri-Huant-Hatun-Mosque2-Verity-Cridland

During this time, the city was a major center for the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. Many of the beautiful old buildings you see today come from this era. The city has survived many wars and changes over thousands of years.

You can see this history in the city's many monuments. Huge basalt walls once enclosed the old city.

Sahabiye medresesi (gece)
Sahabiye medresesi (gece)

There are many historic mosques and schools to explore. The Hunat Hatun Mosque is a very old place of worship. Another special site is the Çifte Medrese. This was a pair of schools that also worked as a hospital.

Gevher Nesibe Medrese (Cifte Medrese) DSCF0762
Gevher Nesibe Medrese (Cifte Medrese) DSCF0762

You can also visit the Kayseri Archaeology Museum to see ancient treasures.

Life in Kayseri is also about its local culture and food. The region is famous for special dishes. People love eating sucuk and pastırma, which are types of meat. They also enjoy mantı, which are small dumplings.

Kayseri Milli Mücadele Müzesi 4991
Kayseri Milli Mücadele Müzesi 4991

For those who love the outdoors, Mount Erciyes is a great place. It is a popular center for trekking and climbing. In recent years, it has also become a famous place for winter sports and skiing.

Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri
Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Hittite fruit cup detail.JPG
Hittite fruit cup detail.JPG
File:The Hercules Sarcophagus depicting the Twelve Labors of Hercules, 150-160 AD, Kayseri Archaeological Museum, Turkey (25682295994).jpg
The Hercules Sarcophagus depicting the...
File:Kayseri-Huant-Hatun-Mosque2-Verity-Cridland.jpg
Kayseri-Huant-Hatun-Mosque2-Verity-Cridland.jpg
File:Sahabiye medresesi (gece).JPG
Sahabiye medresesi (gece).JPG
File:Kayseri Milli Mücadele Müzesi 4991.jpg
Kayseri Milli Mücadele Müzesi 4991.jpg
File:Kayseri districts.png
Kayseri districts.png
File:Gevher Nesibe Medrese (Cifte Medrese) DSCF0762.jpg
Gevher Nesibe Medrese (Cifte Medrese) DSCF0762.jpg
File:Kadir Has Kongre ve Spor Merkezi Kayseri.jpg
Kadir Has Kongre ve Spor Merkezi Kayseri.jpg
File:Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri.jpg
Kadir Has Stadium in Kayseri.jpg
File:ErciyesUniversity Genkok.png
ErciyesUniversity Genkok.png
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